EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - Looking for something to do while staring idly out our windows or wandering the neighborhood getting fresh air and some exercise? Watch the birds! They are varied, beautiful and plentiful diversions during these stressful times. Winter may be ending, but there are many kinds of birds in the neighborhood, both year-round residents and winter guests. (Yes, Central New Jersey is a warm winter spot for “snowbirds” from far, far north.) Of the roughly 220 species of birds that have been identified in East Brunswick, there are probably almost two dozen species hanging around our neighborhoods right now.

Cardinals, Blue Jays, Goldfinches and House Finches abound and make their presence known year-round. So do the smaller Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice and Carolina Wrens. Also up in the trees are woodpeckers – Red-bellied, Downy, Hairy and Flickers being the most common. And of course, I shouldn’t forget to call out Mourning Doves, Mockingbirds. After all, they call out plenty on their own. The more extensive woodlots and tree stands might hold Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks. These are bird-eating predators and if you have a feeder these might be attracted to your feeder flock. A local, overwintering “Sharpie” has taken one or two Mourning Doves in my yard this season.

Down from the north are Dark-eyed Juncos and White-throated Sparrows. The latter sing a very beautiful Oh-Sweet-Canada-Canada song, even before they leave to go back north. Both will stay until the end of April or even into May.

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If you look skyward, you might be treated to Canada Geese, maybe beautiful white Snow Geese, Red-Tailed Hawks, Turkey and Black Vultures. And, there are gulls, especially around the landfill and the South River marshes – mostly Ring-billed (the common parking lot gull), Herring and Great-Black-backed Gulls.

And, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Bald Eagles. East Brunswick hosts as many as a dozen or so over the winter, primarily near the landfill. And a pair or two actually nest nearby. Look for a large soaring bird, on large flat wings. If your first impression is wow, that’s a really, big bird, they you might very well be looking at an eagle.

If you’d like to follow the exploits of East Brunswick birders, check out the Birding East Brunswick Facebook page.

SOUTH PLAINFIELD – On the afternoon of June 4, over 50 people gathered at the gazebo at Spring Lake Park in South Plainfield to kneel in solidarity for George Floyd and all those who have lost their lives unjustly. The event was organized by South Plainfield High School Freshman Olivia Payne, who initiated the demonstration on social media. At 3:15p.m., the crowd kneeled on their right knees ...

SOUTH PLAINFIELD – On the afternoon of June 4, over 50 people gathered at the gazebo at Spring Lake ...

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - It's been a rather unusual year for the East Brunswick High School Class of 2020 - virtual graduation, COVID-19 pandemic leading to online education for most of the final semester of Senior year. Yeah, Bears, a good deal of the world has been turned upside down.

However, one thing remains the same. East Brunswick High School students continue to rise to the top, to move ...

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - It's been a rather unusual year for the East Brunswick High School Class of ...

NEW JERSEY - The New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife offers two free fishing days each year. Saturday, June 6 is one of those days for 2020. October 17 is the other. Saturday's Free Fishing Day coincides with National Fishing and Boating Week. The NJDFW offers the two free fishing days each year as a way to let families enjoy a no-risk day on the water trying out something new. It is also ...

NEW JERSEY - The New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife offers two free fishing days each year.

FRANKLIN, NJ - Two 19-year-olds have been arrested and face murder and weapons charges in the death of Dominic J. Frederick, 25, Winston Drive, who was found shot in his vehicle after it crashed into a residence on Foxwood Drive on May 25, 2019.

The year-long investigation led to the arrest of Trey Hyman, of King Road, Somerset, and Gavin Owens-Jones, 19 of Peoples Line Road, Somerset both of ...

FRANKLIN, NJ - Two 19-year-olds have been arrested and face murder and weapons charges in the death ...

CAMDEN, NJ -- Steven Rodas, Editor of TAPinto Camden, spoke with Stephanie Willoughby about the recent protest held here in solidarity with George Floyd that has put the city in the national spotlight for both its peaceful nature and police participation.

Hundreds gathered in downtown Camden on Saturday, May 30, but what made this protest stand out from the thousands of other marches that ...

TRENTON, NJ - A bill that would give current high school sophomores and juniors an optional “bridge year” passed the New Jersey State Senate by a 39-0 vote and will go on to the New Jersey State Assembly for vote on June 15, where it is expected to pass. It also has the support of the Governor’s office and the New Jersey Department of Education.

The bill (S-2383) which was sponsored by ...

TRENTON, NJ - A bill that would give current high school sophomores and juniors an optional “bridge ...

NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - Alysa Kristjanson, a 22-year-old Princeton woman, was killed Thursday in a hit-and-run accident on Route 130 in North Brunswick in the early morning hours. Kristjanson was a pedestrian.

Middlesex County Acting Prosecutor Christopher L.C. Kuberiet and Director Kenneth P. McCormick of the North Brunswick Police Department said police are investigating the accident which ...

NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - Alysa Kristjanson, a 22-year-old Princeton woman, was killed Thursday in a ...

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - The East Brunswick Education Foundation (EBEF) pivoted their grant awarding process quickly to accommodate teacher’s needs as they conducted class from their homes. “The switch to virtual learning required teachers to turn their kitchens, dens, and other areas of their houses into classrooms. Teachers needed supplies like portable whiteboards, tripods to hold their phones ...